In News:

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) during a national workshop on the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The portal will facilitate transparent certification and regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI Scheme).

Green Hydrogen Certification Portal (GHCI)

The Green Hydrogen Certification Portal is a digital platform developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to implement the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India.

The portal aims to:

• Ensure transparent certification of Green Hydrogen.
• Facilitate regulatory compliance for producers.
• Standardize certification to build domestic and international market confidence.
• Promote traceability and credibility of India's green hydrogen ecosystem.

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

Launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission seeks to establish India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. The mission aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, promote indigenous manufacturing, and accelerate India's transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Three Pillars of the Mission

The mission is built around three strategic pillars:

• Demand Creation: Development of domestic and export markets for green hydrogen.
• Supply-side Incentives: Incentives for green hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing.
• Enabling Ecosystem: Development of infrastructure, R&D, standards, certification, and supportive policy frameworks.

Targets by 2030

Major Components

Key initiatives under the mission include:

• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme
• Incentives for electrolyser manufacturing and hydrogen production
• Green Hydrogen Certification Framework
• Research & Development (R&D) Roadmap
• Development of standards, testing and certification infrastructure
• Creation of hydrogen hubs and supporting infrastructure

State-Level Progress

To support implementation:

• 6 States have notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies.
• 7 States have incorporated hydrogen into existing energy/industrial policies.
• 4 States are in the process of formulating dedicated policies.

In News:

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) successfully installed the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) at Unit-5 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu, marking a major milestone in India's nuclear energy expansion. The installation followed clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and was carried out with technical support from Russia's Rosatom.

About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP)

• The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) is India's largest nuclear power project, located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
• It is being developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under a long-standing India–Russia Intergovernmental Agreement signed in 1988.
• The project is being constructed in phases with six units, each employing Russian-designed VVER-1000 (Water-Water Energetic Reactor) technology—a type of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) that uses light water as both coolant and neutron moderator.

Recent Development

• NPCIL completed the installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) at Unit-5, one of the most critical milestones in reactor construction.
• The installation was executed using the 'open-top' installation method, where heavy reactor equipment is lowered into the reactor building before the containment dome is installed.
• The activity was undertaken with technical assistance from Rosatom and its engineering arm Atomstroyexport (ASE) after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV)

• The Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) is the core component of a nuclear reactor, often referred to as its "heart." It is a massive steel vessel weighing around 320 tonnes and houses the reactor core, where controlled nuclear fission takes place to generate heat for electricity production.

Significance

The operational Units 1 and 2 of Kudankulam have already generated over 127 billion kWh of electricity, avoiding more than 112 million tonnes of CO? emissions while reducing dependence on coal-based power generation.

Once all six units become operational, the project will achieve a total installed capacity of 6,000 MWe, making Kudankulam one of India's largest nuclear power hubs. The project will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security, expanding the share of clean baseload power, and supporting India's target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.

The project also exemplifies the strategic depth of India–Russia cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy.

In News:

India improved its position by two places to rank 70th in the Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2026, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), reflecting progress in balancing energy security, sustainability, and affordability while advancing towards a cleaner energy system.

What is the Energy Transition Index (ETI)?

The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is an annual global assessment published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to evaluate how effectively countries are progressing towards secure, sustainable, equitable, and resilient energy systems. Besides measuring the current performance of a country's energy system, the index also assesses the readiness of its policy, financial, institutional, and infrastructure ecosystem to support the energy transition.

The ETI score is calculated on a 0–100 scale, where 100 represents the highest level of performance.

Methodology

The index is based on two broad sub-indices:

• System Performance (60%), which assesses the current energy system across three equally weighted dimensions:
  • Energy Security
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Energy Equity (Affordability and Access)
• Transition Readiness (40%), which evaluates a country's preparedness to accelerate the energy transition through:
  • Core Enablers: Regulation, political commitment, finance and investment.
  • Enabling Factors: Innovation, infrastructure, education, and human capital.

Key Findings of ETI 2026

The Nordic countries continued to dominate the rankings, with Sweden, Finland, and Denmark retaining the top three positions globally owing to their advanced clean energy systems and supportive policy frameworks.

Among major economies, Singapore registered one of the largest improvements by climbing 10 places to 42nd, driven by stronger regulatory reforms and political commitment towards clean energy.

Six G20 economies featured among the global top twenty:

• Germany – 9th
• France – 10th
• United Kingdom – 11th
• China – 14th
• Brazil – 17th
• United States – 19th

India improved its ranking from 72nd to 70th, reflecting gradual progress in expanding renewable energy, improving energy access, and strengthening the policy framework supporting the clean energy transition.

In News:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched India's first Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal to strengthen the domestic wind energy manufacturing ecosystem, improve supply chain transparency, and support India's clean energy transition.

About the Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal

The Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal is India's first dedicated digital platform developed to streamline the wind energy supply chain by connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders on a common platform. It has been developed under the aegis of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with the support of the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA).

The portal aims to improve supply chain efficiency, enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India's position as a global hub for wind energy equipment.

Key Features

• Supply Chain Visibility: Provides end-to-end visibility across the wind energy manufacturing ecosystem.
• ALMM Integration: Facilitates compliance with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework, promoting domestic sourcing.
• Supplier Discovery: Enables identification and qualification of component suppliers.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Improves coordination among manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and policymakers.
• Export Readiness: Enhances the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in global markets by strengthening supply chain resilience.

What is Wind Energy?

Wind energy is a renewable source of energy that converts the kinetic energy of moving air into electricity using wind turbines. The rotating blades of a wind turbine drive a generator, which produces electrical energy without emitting greenhouse gases during operation.

Wind Energy Potential in India

India possesses significant wind energy potential, particularly along its western and southern coasts.

Major wind energy-producing and high-potential States include:

• Gujarat (highest estimated potential)
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Madhya Pradesh

In News:

• India has selected Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as the site for establishing a high-energy proton accelerator system to support its long-term nuclear energy strategy.
• The project will play a crucial role in advancing the Accelerator-Driven System (ADS) technology, which is central to India’s effort to utilise its vast thorium reserves and enhance nuclear safety.
• The initiative is being developed by the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• Visakhapatnam was chosen because of its strong technological ecosystem, availability of research infrastructure, and proximity to the sea, which ensures sufficient cooling water for operating high-energy accelerator systems.

High-Energy Proton Accelerator System

A high-energy proton accelerator is a scientific device that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate protons (positively charged particles from ionised hydrogen) to extremely high speeds. The accelerated protons form a powerful proton beam that is directed toward a heavy metal target such as lead or bismuth.

When the high-speed protons collide with the heavy metal nucleus, a process known as spallation occurs. In this reaction:

• The heavy nucleus breaks apart due to the impact.
• A large number of high-energy neutrons are released.
• These neutrons can then be used to initiate nuclear fission reactions in a reactor system.

Thus, the proton accelerator becomes an external source of neutrons required for controlled nuclear reactions.

Accelerator-Driven System (ADS)

The Accelerator-Driven System is a nuclear reactor concept in which the neutron supply required for fission is provided externally by a proton accelerator.

Key features of ADS include:

• The reactor core remains sub-critical, meaning it cannot sustain a chain reaction independently.
• The spallation neutrons generated by the proton accelerator are injected into the reactor core to maintain fission.
• If the accelerator stops functioning due to a power outage or malfunction, the neutron supply ceases immediately.

This design provides high inherent safety, as the nuclear reaction automatically stops without external intervention, significantly reducing the risk of reactor meltdown.

Role of ADS in India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

• India’s nuclear energy strategy follows a three-stage programme aimed at maximising the utilisation of its limited uranium resources and abundant thorium deposits.
• ADS technology supports the third stage of this programme, which focuses on thorium-based nuclear energy.

Harnessing Thorium Resources

India possesses around 25% of the world’s thorium reserves, primarily in monazite sands along its coastal regions. However, naturally occurring Thorium-232 is fertile rather than fissile, meaning it cannot directly sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

For thorium to become a usable nuclear fuel:

1. Thorium-232 must absorb a neutron.
2. It undergoes nuclear transformation (transmutation).
3. It converts into Uranium-233, which is a highly fissile material capable of sustaining nuclear reactions.

The high-energy neutrons generated by the ADS system are particularly effective in facilitating this conversion, enabling thorium to become a viable fuel for large-scale electricity generation.

Nuclear Waste Management

Another major advantage of ADS technology lies in nuclear waste transmutation.

Conventional nuclear reactors generate long-lived radioactive waste, including minor actinides, which remain hazardous for thousands of years. ADS systems can use high-energy neutrons to:

• Break down long-lived radioactive isotopes
• Convert them into shorter-lived or stable elements

This process significantly reduces the toxicity and storage duration of nuclear waste, thereby addressing one of the major environmental concerns associated with nuclear power.

In News:

India’s transition to clean energy increasingly emphasizes decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions to address energy poverty and support sustainable development in rural areas. In this context, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0) in New Delhi. The initiative seeks to scale up clean energy access while promoting rural livelihoods, women’s entrepreneurship, and climate action. It represents the next phase of the earlier Lighting a Billion Lives programme launched in 2008, which provided solar lighting solutions to off-grid communities across India.

About LaBL 2.0

LaBL 2.0 is a next-generation decentralised renewable energy programme aimed at expanding clean energy access while enabling productive economic activities in rural and underserved regions. Unlike the earlier initiative that mainly focused on household lighting, LaBL 2.0 emphasizes energy for livelihoods, climate finance integration, and sustainable development.

Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Expand clean and decentralised renewable energy access in remote and underserved areas.
• Promote green livelihoods and rural enterprises powered by renewable energy.
• Encourage women-led entrepreneurship in the clean energy sector.
• Integrate climate finance mechanisms and carbon markets with grassroots energy initiatives.
• Contribute to broader sustainable development and climate mitigation goals.

Key Features

• Expansion of Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE)
  • Promotes solar and other renewable technologies in off-grid and energy-deficit rural areas.
  • Encourages distributed energy solutions such as solar micro-grids and clean energy appliances.
• Productive Use of Energy for Livelihoods: Focuses on using renewable energy for income-generating activities, including rural enterprises, small industries, and agricultural processing.
• Women-led Clean Energy Entrepreneurship: Encourages women entrepreneurs to manage renewable energy enterprises, enhancing both economic empowerment and energy access.
• Climate Impact Measurement: Introduces Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) frameworks to track carbon reduction and climate benefits.
• Integration with Climate Finance: Develops finance-ready project models linking decentralised energy initiatives with carbon markets and climate finance mechanisms to attract investments.
• Flagship Demonstration Projects
  • Includes initiatives such as:
    1. Hastinapur Model City
    2. HUDCO Model Solar Village
    3. GCC DRE Carbon Credit Programme
    4. Solar technology partnerships for rural energy solutions.

In News:

A recent grid oscillation recorded in Rajasthan was reportedly felt as far as Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the growing stress within India’s national electricity grid. The incident has drawn attention to structural challenges in managing the rapid expansion of renewable energy while ensuring grid stability.

What are Grid Oscillations?

Grid oscillations refer to rapid fluctuations in voltage and frequency within the power transmission network. These fluctuations typically arise when there is a sudden mismatch between electricity generation and demand.

With increasing penetration of solar and wind energy, which are inherently variable and weather-dependent, the grid faces intermittent supply conditions. When not balanced properly, such variations can:

• Destabilise transmission voltage and frequency
• Damage equipment
• Trigger cascading failures
• Lead to large-scale blackouts

The recent oscillation event underscores the sensitivity of interconnected grids across long distances in India’s unified national grid.

Key Reasons for Grid Instability

• Limited Grid Flexibility and Automation: India’s grid is not yet sufficiently “smart” to seamlessly switch between conventional (coal-based) and renewable sources. Inadequate automation, limited real-time balancing mechanisms, and weak forecasting systems restrict efficient load management.
• Coal Plant Inflexibility: Coal-fired power plants are designed primarily for baseload supply, operating at steady output levels. They cannot ramp up or down rapidly to compensate for sudden drops or surges in renewable generation. This structural rigidity makes balancing intermittent sources difficult.
• Inadequate Energy Storage Infrastructure: Large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro facilities remain limited. Without sufficient storage:
  • Surplus renewable energy cannot be stored for later use.
  • Sudden drops in renewable output create supply gaps.
  • Grid stability becomes vulnerable during peak fluctuations.

India’s Renewable Energy Expansion

India has made significant strides in renewable energy capacity:

• 48 GW of renewable capacity was added in 2025, the highest-ever annual addition.
• Non-fossil sources now account for approximately 52% of installed capacity (around 264 GW).

However, a critical structural gap remains:

• Despite the large installed renewable capacity, nearly 75% of actual electricity generation still comes from coal because it provides reliable, on-demand power.

This highlights the distinction between installed capacity and actual generation share, an important concept for energy policy analysis.

Structural and Policy Implications

• Need for Smart Grid Modernisation: Deployment of advanced forecasting tools, AI-based load management, and automated switching systems is essential to manage renewable variability.
• Flexible Thermal Operations: Retrofitting coal plants for flexible operations can improve ramping capability and support renewable balancing.
• Energy Storage Expansion: Investment in:
  • Grid-scale battery storage
  • Pumped hydro storage
  • Green hydrogen-based storage is critical for long-term stability.
• Grid Infrastructure Strengthening: Transmission upgrades under initiatives like the Green Energy Corridors must be accelerated to integrate renewable-rich regions with demand centres.

In News:

At India Energy Week (January 2026), the Prime Minister highlighted investment opportunities worth $500 billion in India’s energy sector, signalling a shift from energy security to energy independence. A central pillar of this transition is green hydrogen and its derivative-green ammonia, which is emerging as a strategic fuel for agriculture, industry, shipping, and global trade.

India’s recent landmark auction through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has positioned the country as a serious player in the global green ammonia market.

What is Green Ammonia?

Green ammonia is produced by combining:

• Nitrogen (from air)
• Green hydrogen (generated via electrolysis using renewable energy)

Unlike grey ammonia, which uses natural gas and emits significant CO?, green ammonia has a near-zero carbon footprint.

SECI’s Landmark Green Ammonia Auction

Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, SECI floated a tender in June 2024 to aggregate demand across fertilizer plants.

Key Features:

• Target Demand: 7,24,000 tonnes per annum (TPA)
• Coverage: 13 fertilizer plants
• Bidders: 15 participants
• Successful Awardees: 7 companies
• Contracts Awarded: 13 delivery contracts
• One company secured 6 contracts (3,70,000 TPA)
• 10-year fixed-price offtake agreements

Discovered Prices:

• ?49.75–?64.74/kg
• $572–$744 per tonne
• Nearly 40–50% lower than EU’s H2Global auction (~$1,153/tonne)

By comparison: Grey ammonia in India ≈ $515/tonne

The price gap has narrowed substantially, especially with production subsidies:

• ?8.82/kg (Year 1)
• ?7.06/kg (Year 2)
• ?5.3/kg (Year 3)

This model created price certainty, payment security, and balanced risk allocation—boosting investor confidence.

Strategic Significance for India

1. Import Substitution and Energy Security

• Contracted volumes account for ~30% of India’s ammonia imports.
• Reduces exposure to global gas price volatility, currency risks, and geopolitical disruptions.

2. Decarbonising Agriculture

• Fertilizer sector is the largest ammonia consumer.
• Example: 75,000 tonnes supply to Paradeep Phosphates marks early transition.
• Supports sustainable food supply chains.

3. Maritime Decarbonisation

• Ammonia is easier to store than hydrogen.
• Can replace heavy fuel oil in shipping.
• Linked to Rotterdam–India–Singapore Green Shipping Corridor initiative.

4. Hydrogen Carrier for Exports

• Acts as a stable medium to transport hydrogen over long distances.
• Ports like Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin (VOC) designated as hydrogen hubs.
• Potential exports to Japan and South Korea.

5. Grid Stability & Energy Storage

• Enables long-duration energy storage.
• Hybrid systems (solar wind storage) being piloted for round-the-clock production.

Policy Framework

National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)

• Target: 5 MMTPA production capacity by 2030
• Investment Potential: ?8 lakh crore
• CO? Reduction Target: ~50 MMT annually by 2030

SIGHT Programme

• Outlay: ?17,490 crore
• Production-linked incentives (PLI) for green hydrogen and derivatives.

Global Context

Other procurement mechanisms:

• EU’s H2Global import tender
• South Korea’s Clean Hydrogen Portfolio Standard (CHPS)

In News:

On 14 December 2025 (National Energy Conservation Day), the President of India presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 in New Delhi.

National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)

• Instituted by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency
• Started: 1991
• Purpose: To recogniseorganisations and institutions that achieve significant energy savings while maintaining or improving productivity.

Sectors Covered

• Industries
• Commercial buildings
• Transport sector
• Institutions
• Energy-efficient appliances

Objectives of the Awards

• Promote adoption of energy-efficient technologies
• Encourage best practices in energy management
• Raise awareness about the role of energy efficiency in sustainable development
• Support India’s commitments toward climate mitigation

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

About

• A statutory body under the Energy Conservation Act
• Established on 1 March 2002
• Functions under the Ministry of Power

Major Functions

BEE promotes energy efficiency through national programmes such as:

• Standards & Labelling (S&L) Programme: Introduces star ratings for appliances to guide consumers toward energy-efficient products.
• Demand Side Management (DSM): Encourages efficient energy use across sectors including agriculture, industry, and households.
• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023: Replaces the earlier Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, promoting market-based mechanisms for emission reduction.
• Public Awareness & Capacity Building: Campaigns, training programmes, and competitions (like NECA and painting contests for students)

India’s energy efficiency efforts in 2023–24 reportedly led to savings of 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE), along with substantial reductions in CO? emissions.

Related National Initiatives

Energy conservation aligns with broader programmes such as:

• Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar adoption)
• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Renewable Consumption Obligations and Production Linked Incentive schemes

It also supports India’s global message of Lifestyle for Environment, encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, also called the SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India). It represents the biggest reform in India’s nuclear energy governance since the Atomic Energy Act of 1962.

Background of India’s Nuclear Sector

• India’s civilian nuclear power sector has traditionally been under complete government control. Nuclear power plants are operated only by public sector entities such as Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and BharatiyaNabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).
• Private participation has remained restricted mainly due to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLND Act), which created legal and liability-related uncertainties for suppliers and investors.

Need for the SHANTI Bill

India has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Achieving this requires massive investment, advanced technology, and faster project execution. Existing laws were considered outdated, fragmented, and restrictive for modern nuclear expansion, especially with regard to private and foreign participation.

Scope and Nature of the Bill

The SHANTI Bill seeks to create a single, modern legal framework governing nuclear energy in India. It replaces the earlier fragmented legal structure with a unified system covering licensing, safety regulation, liability, and industry participation.

Opening of the Nuclear Value Chain

• The Bill allows private and foreign companies to participate in selected non-strategic areas of the nuclear sector. These include atomic mineral exploration, nuclear fuel fabrication, and the manufacturing of nuclear equipment and components.
• However, sensitive and strategic domains such as nuclear weapons-related activities and certain categories of reactor operations will continue to remain under strict government control.

Reform of the Nuclear Liability Regime

• A key feature of the Bill is the restructuring of the nuclear liability framework. The law aims to clearly define the responsibilities of plant operators, equipment suppliers, and the government in case of a nuclear incident.
• It proposes insurance-backed liability caps to reduce financial uncertainty for private players. Beyond a certain damage threshold, the government will step in to provide additional financial support. This brings India’s framework closer to global nuclear liability practices and addresses long-standing investor concerns under the CLND Act.

Independent Nuclear Safety Authority

• The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent nuclear safety authority. This body will be separate from agencies that promote nuclear energy, ensuring a clear distinction between promotional and regulatory roles. The aim is to enhance transparency, credibility, and adherence to international best practices in nuclear safety.

Dedicated Nuclear Tribunal

A specialised nuclear tribunal will be set up to handle disputes related to nuclear liability, contracts, and compensation. This is expected to ensure faster resolution of cases and reduce legal uncertainty in the sector.

Focus on Advanced Technologies and SMRs

The legislation supports research, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are considered suitable for industrial decarbonisation, remote regions, and flexible grid integration, and are seen as a key part of the future nuclear expansion strategy.

Strategic Significance

Nuclear energy provides clean and reliable baseload power, which complements intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. Expansion of nuclear power will help India reduce its dependence on coal and imported fossil fuels, thereby strengthening energy security.

The reform also supports India’s long-term climate commitments, including its net-zero emissions target by 2070, while breaking more than six decades of exclusive state monopoly in the sector.

In News:

India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, held in Goa, concluded with India reaffirming its position as a resilient and credible energy leader amid global geopolitical volatility. The event highlighted India’s dual strategy: ensuring energy security through diversified conventional supplies while accelerating the transition toward cleaner fuels.

India’s Energy Strategy: Resilience in a Volatile World

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised that India has successfully navigated successive global disruptions by:

• Diversifying crude oil and gas import sources
• Strengthening domestic exploration
• Expanding clean energy adoption

India today ranks as:

• 3rd-largest energy consumer
• 4th-largest refining hub
• Among the top exporters of petroleum products

Despite global price shocks, India maintained stable domestic fuel and LPG prices, shielding consumers through policy and Oil Marketing Company (OMC) interventions.

Paradigm Shift: From Energy Transition to “Energy Addition”

A key theme at IEW 2026 was that the global transition is not about replacing fossil fuels overnight but about “energy addition”:

• Continued investment in oil and gas for stability
• Rapid scale-up of biofuels, LNG, green hydrogen, and renewables

This balanced approach recognises developmental realities while pursuing climate goals.

Domestic Exploration & Upstream Reforms

India aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic production through:

• Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP)
• Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
• Discovered Small Fields (DSF) rounds
• Oilfields (Regulation & Development) Amendment Act, 2025
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025

These reforms aim to improve ease of doing business and attract global investment into India’s sedimentary basins.

Downstream and Infrastructure Reforms

• Unified Pipeline Tariff (UPT) under One Nation, One Gas Grid to reduce regional disparities
• Integration of refining and petrochemicals to enhance value addition
• Digitalisation and AI-driven optimisation to improve logistics and operational resilience

Clean Energy Acceleration

India’s energy transition efforts include:

• 20% ethanol blending achieved in 2025
• Expansion of Compressed Biogas (CBG) with a 5% blending target by 2030
• Scaling Green Hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Growth in solar and wind capacity, with India ranking among the top global producers

India has already achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of its 2030 target.

Global Partnerships: India–UAE Energy Ties

At IEW 2026, the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its role as a reliable energy partner:

• 4th-largest source of India’s oil imports
• Key LPG supplier
• Bilateral trade target: USD 200 billion by 2032

The UAE highlighted underinvestment in energy as a global risk, echoing India’s call for balanced investment across energy types.

Role of States: Goa’s Renewable Vision

As host, Goa presented a roadmap to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, linking:

• Green Economy (clean energy growth)
• Blue Economy (sustainable ocean resource use)

This reflects sub-national participation in India’s climate strategy.

Energy Security: India’s Current Status

Achievements:

• 3rd globally in solar capacity
• 4th in wind and overall renewable capacity
• Strong refining and export capabilities

Challenges:

• Still the 3rd-largest net energy importer
• Ranking drop in the World Economic Forum Energy Transition Index

In News:

India’s energy policy is undergoing a structural transition as the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and accelerating climate change reshape electricity demand, supply chains, and governance priorities. The traditional focus on access, affordability, and energy security is expanding to include decarbonisation, climate resilience, digital-era demand, and strategic autonomy, reflecting the changing contours of economic growth and technological transformation.

Key Trends Shaping India’s Energy Policy

• AI-Driven Electricity Demand: The rapid growth of AI and data centres is generating round-the-clock, gigawatt-scale electricity demand, compelling both Union and State governments to rethink renewable capacity addition, grid modernisation, and large-scale energy storage planning.
• Climate Change Pressures:Increasing heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather events are pushing policymakers to decouple GDP growth from carbon-intensive energy, aligning energy policy with India’s 2070 Net Zero commitment.
• Global Green Transition Dynamics:Rising dependence on critical minerals, concentration of renewable manufacturing, and friend-shoring strategies are influencing India’s industrial and strategic energy choices.
• Shift in Energy Governance:Energy governance is moving from a resource-centric approach to a systemic, multi-sectoral framework integrating climate policy, digital infrastructure, industrial strategy, and geopolitics.

Major Emerging Trade-offs

• Coal Economy vs Clean Energy Transition: Coal continues to support livelihoods of nearly 3.5 lakh workers, contributes significantly to state revenues in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, and underpins railway freight earnings. Simultaneously, India hosts six of the world’s ten most polluted cities (2024), creating a sharp tension between employment security and climate commitments.
• China-Dominated Green Supply Chains vs Strategic Autonomy:China controls around 80% of global solar module production, 95% of polysilicon and wafers, and 80% of lithium-ion battery processing. While imports from China enable rapid and low-cost renewable deployment, they increase strategic vulnerability, tariff exposure, and supply-chain risks.
• AI Data Centres vs Renewable Infrastructure Constraints:Proposed AI hubs by global and Indian firms demand 24×7 clean power. However, India’s grid-scale storage, pumped hydro capacity, and inter-state transmission networks remain inadequate, pushing some states to extend thermal power generation, thereby undermining decarbonisation goals.

Structural Governance Challenges

• Fragmented Institutional Framework:Energy governance is dispersed across multiple ministries—Power, New and Renewable Energy, Coal, Mines, and Commerce—with no single coordinating authority.
• Policy Incoherence:Industrial incentives promote data-centre expansion, while grid reforms and storage deployment lag behind, creating mismatches in policy objectives.
• Centre–State Divergences:Differences over coal phase-down, land acquisition, renewable corridors, and tariff structures slow capacity addition and infrastructure rollout.
• Inadequate Financing and R&D Models:Public sector–led approaches are insufficient for capital-intensive and R&D-driven sectors such as battery storage, offshore wind, and green hydrogen.
• Weak Policy Alignment:Poor alignment persists between climate commitments, PLI schemes, and technology missions related to AI and semiconductors.

Implications for India

India faces the risk of new energy insecurity if renewable and battery supply chains remain import-dependent. Rising AI-driven electricity demand may increase reliance on fossil fuels, undermining India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Slow expansion of grids and storage could deter investments in AI, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and aerospace, while a poorly managed coal transition may trigger regional unemployment, fiscal stress, and political resistance. Fragmented governance could delay India’s ambition to become a global AI and advanced-technology hub.

In News:

As climate change intensifies and the global transition towards low-carbon energy accelerates, the integration of renewable energy into power grids has become a major policy and technological challenge. Solar and wind energy, though abundant and clean, are intermittent in nature, creating mismatches between electricity generation and demand. In this context, Gravity Energy Storage (GES) is emerging as a promising long-duration, grid-scale energy storage technology, offering a viable alternative to conventional battery-based systems.

What is Gravity Energy Storage?

Gravity Energy Storage is an innovative energy storage technology that harnesses gravitational potential energy to store and release electricity. It involves lifting a heavy mass during periods of surplus electricity generation and allowing it to descend when demand rises, thereby converting stored energy back into electricity. The technology is particularly suited for renewable-dominated power systems, where supply fluctuations are frequent.

Working Mechanism

The basic principle of gravity energy storage is simple yet effective:

• During periods of excess renewable energy generation, such as peak solar output, surplus electricity is used to lift a heavy mass—commonly water, concrete blocks, or compressed earth blocks.
• This process converts electrical energy into stored gravitational potential energy.
• When electricity demand exceeds supply or renewable generation falls, the mass is released to descend under gravity.
• The downward motion drives water or mechanical systems through a turbine, generating electricity that is fed back into the grid.

A typical configuration may involve a heavy piston within a fluid-filled cylindrical container, where the piston’s vertical movement enables controlled energy storage and release. Unlike pumped-hydro storage, gravity energy storage systems offer greater flexibility in site selection and do not require large reservoirs or specific topographical features.

Advantages of Gravity Energy Storage

Gravity energy storage offers several strategic advantages that make it attractive for long-term energy planning:

• Long operational life: These systems can operate for several decades with minimal maintenance, unlike batteries which degrade chemically over time.
• Environmentally benign: The absence of toxic chemicals eliminates risks related to pollution, recycling, and disposal, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Cost-effective at scale: Lower lifetime costs of energy and storage make it suitable for large-scale grid applications.
• Flexible deployment: Can be installed in urban, space-constrained, or environmentally sensitive areas where pumped-hydro or large battery systems are not feasible.
• Grid stability: Provides reliable energy during peak demand and enhances grid resilience in renewable-heavy energy systems.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its potential, gravity energy storage faces certain constraints:

• Early stage of development: High initial capital costs and limited commercial deployment pose adoption challenges.
• Regulatory and infrastructure hurdles: Large-scale installations require regulatory approvals and long-term planning.
• Geographical constraints: Although more flexible than pumped hydro, suitable locations are still required for large infrastructure.
• Lower energy density: Compared to batteries, gravity energy storage is less suitable for compact or small-scale applications.

Significance for Energy Transition

Gravity energy storage represents an important step towards clean, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. By addressing the intermittency of renewable sources, it supports grid stability, energy security, and decarbonisation goals. For countries like India, which are rapidly expanding solar and wind capacity, such storage technologies can play a vital role in achieving energy transition targets, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based peaking power, and strengthening climate resilience.

In News:

• Researchers at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, have unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for India’s fusion energy programme.
• This initiative aims to develop the country’s first fusion electricity generator, Steady-state Superconducting Tokamak–Bharat (SST-Bharat), and ultimately commission a demonstration reactor by 2060.
• The roadmap signifies a major step in India’s pursuit of sustainable, high-yield, and low-waste energy alternatives.

Understanding Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei (like isotopes of hydrogen) merge to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—similar to the reactions that power the Sun.
It differs from nuclear fission, where heavy atoms split apart to release energy.

Advantages of Fusion over Fission

• Minimal radioactive waste and no long-term storage challenges.
• Abundant fuel sources (deuterium from water, tritium from lithium).
• No greenhouse gas emissions and no meltdown risk.
• High energy density, offering a virtually limitless energy source.

India’s Current Fusion Research Base

• SST-1 Tokamak (IPR, Gandhinagar): India’s first steady-state superconducting tokamak, designed for plasma research. It has achieved plasma duration of ~650 milliseconds, with potential to reach 16 minutes.
• Participation in ITER (France): India contributes technology, components, and funding to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world’s largest magnetic confinement experiment aimed at demonstrating a Q-value (output/input ratio) of 10.

India’s Fusion Power Roadmap

1. The SST-Bharat Project

• A fusion-fission hybrid reactor proposed as India’s next major milestone.
• Expected output: 130 MW (100 MW from fission, 30 MW from fusion).
• Estimated cost: ?25,000 crore.
• Efficiency target: Five times the input power.
• Acts as a bridge technology toward achieving pure fusion energy.

2. Demonstration Reactor (By 2060)

• Planned 250 MW full-scale reactor.
• Target Q-value: 20 (i.e., producing 20 times more energy than input).
• Will use magnetic confinement, heating plasma to over 100 million°C — much hotter than the Sun’s core (15 million°C).

Technological Innovations Proposed

• Digital Twinning: Creating virtual replicas of tokamak systems to test and optimise operations before physical construction.
• Machine Learning-Assisted Plasma Control: Using AI for real-time monitoring and stability of plasma.
• Radiation-Resistant Materials: Essential for reactor longevity and safety.
• Superconducting Magnet Development: To maintain continuous plasma confinement efficiently.

Global Benchmarks and India’s Position

While global players pursue faster timelines, India’s approach is cautious but strategic, focused on self-reliance and steady technological progress.

Challenges in India’s Fusion Path

Technological

• Sustaining stable plasma for long durations.
• Achieving Q > 1 (self-sustaining fusion).
• Developing durable superconducting magnets and radiation-resistant materials.

Financial

• High costs: SST-Bharat alone costs ?25,000 crore.
• Competing priorities: Solar, wind, and fission projects receive higher funding.
• Limited private-sector participation compared to global trends.

Policy and Governance

• Absence of a dedicated fusion energy regulatory framework.
• Need for integrated policy support under India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments.

Economic Viability

Experts like M.V. Ramana (University of British Columbia) caution that commercial fusion power remains economically unproven, and timelines are often optimistic. High R&D and construction costs could make fusion electricity expensive compared to renewables.

Strategic and Technological Significance

Even if commercial viability takes time, fusion R&D brings collateral benefits:

• Advances in plasma physics, superconducting technology, and high-temperature materials.
• Development of radiation-hardened components for defence, space, and nuclear industries.
• Strengthened technological autonomy and enhanced participation in global research networks.

In News:

India’s energy sector is witnessing a paradoxical challenge: while 44 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity is ready for deployment, it remains stranded due to lack of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), weak demand absorption, and systemic barriers. This “green energy paradox” highlights the tension between India’s global climate commitments and its domestic energy realities.

Current Energy Landscape

Despite global recognition for its renewable push, India’s energy mix remains heavily dependent on coal:

• Coal & lignite: ~79% of domestic energy (FY23).
• Renewables (excluding large hydro): Only 3.8% of domestic production.
• Oil & gas imports: Over 85% oil and 50% gas, making India highly import-dependent.

While renewable capacity is expanding, India continues to lock itself into long-term coal PPAs, raising both environmental and economic concerns.

Green Energy Paradox: Two Dimensions

1. Supply-Side Readiness

• 44 GW of RE projects are deployment-ready but idle without PPAs.
• Tariff challenges: Solar power in India remains costlier than global benchmarks due to high cost of capital, GST, duties, and import taxes.
• Storage costs: Storage-backed renewables (battery/pumped hydro) raise tariffs to ?6.6–?9/unit, making them uncompetitive against coal.
• Government interventions: Initiatives like the National Solar Mission, Hybrid Policy, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for batteries, and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) aim to reduce costs and promote adoption.

2. Demand-Side Weaknesses

• Discom reluctance: Financially stressed state distribution companies (discoms) prefer coal PPAs due to predictable pricing.
• Grid inflexibility: Poor transmission capacity, absence of smart meters, and weak demand-response systems hinder RE integration.
• Slow electrification: With electricity accounting for just 20% of India’s total energy consumption (vs. 28% in China), limited adoption of EVs, electric cooking, and industrial heating suppresses RE demand.
• Reliability deficit: India’s System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) stands at 600 minutes/year, compared to 35 minutes in Thailand and 46 in Malaysia, deterring energy-intensive industries.

Barriers to Integration

• Structural: Debt-ridden discoms, weak cross-subsidy frameworks, and lack of flexible grids.
• Economic: High capital costs, expensive borrowing, and unviable storage solutions.
• Environmental: Long-term coal lock-ins undermine India’s Net Zero 2070 goals, while idle RE capacity delays emissions reduction.

Initiatives Taken

• Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): Mandate states to procure RE, though targets often clash with local grid capability.
• Green Open Access Rules (2022): Allow industries to directly purchase renewable power, bypassing discoms.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Positions hydrogen as a long-term storage solution and clean fuel.
• PLI for batteries and India Semiconductor Mission: Support indigenous storage manufacturing.

In News:

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Standard Nuclear as the first company to establish a domestic supply chain for TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel, marking a major step toward reducing dependence on Russian uranium and advancing nuclear innovation. The initiative, part of DOE’s Fuel Line Pilot Program (2025), is designed to strengthen US energy security, promote private sector participation, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.

Why TRISO Matters

TRISO is a next-generation nuclear fuel specifically engineered for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and molten salt-cooled reactors, both of which fall under Generation IV (Gen-IV) advanced reactor designs.

• Composition: TRISO fuel consists of a uranium–carbon–oxygen fuel kernel encapsulated by three protective layers of carbon and ceramic materials.
• Form: The particles are extremely small—seed-sized—and can be fabricated into cylindrical pellets or “pebbles.”
• Key Features:
  • Extreme durability: Resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and very high temperatures.
  • Self-containment: Each particle acts as its own containment system, preventing radiation leakage even under extreme reactor conditions.
  • Versatility: Compatible with multiple advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

This makes TRISO structurally and functionally superior to conventional nuclear fuels, ensuring safer, more reliable, and more efficient reactor performance.

Strategic Implications

• Energy Security & Supply Chains
  • The US has historically relied on imports of enriched uranium, particularly from Russia.
  • By developing domestic TRISO production in Tennessee and Idaho, the DOE seeks to build a resilient nuclear fuel ecosystem independent of geopolitical disruptions.
• Advanced Reactor Deployment
  • DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program targets at least three new advanced reactor designs to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
  • TRISO fuel is central to this push, enabling safer operation of SMRs and Gen-IV reactors, both of which are crucial to America’s clean energy transition.
• Private–Public Partnership
  • Standard Nuclear will finance construction, operation, and decommissioning of TRISO fabrication facilities.
  • Reactor developers will source nuclear material feedstock, partly through DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) allocation program.
• Technological Momentum
  • Other firms, such as BWX Technologies (BWXT), have also developed TRISO production lines, including uranium nitride TRISO, in collaboration with Idaho and Oak Ridge National Laboratories.
  • These advancements reinforce US leadership in nuclear innovation while supporting its broader climate and national security goals.

In News:

India is set to launch its carbon credit trading market in 2026, with biochar emerging as a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous, and stable substance produced through pyrolysis (burning biomass without oxygen) ofagricultural residue and municipal solid waste. It offers multiple co-benefits spanning climate mitigation, agriculture, energy, construction, and wastewater treatment.

India’s Untapped Biochar Potential

• Resource base: India generates 600+ million tonnes of agricultural residue and 60+ million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, much of which is burnt or dumped, causing air pollution and GHG emissions.
• Carbon removal: Converting 30–50% of surplus biomass can yield 15–26 million tonnes of biochar, sequestering ~0.1 gigatonne of CO?-eq annually.
• Byproducts:
  • Syngas (20–30 MT): Can generate 8–13 TWh electricity, replacing 0.4–0.7 MT coal/year.
  • Bio-oil (24–40 MT): Can offset 8% of diesel/kerosene demand, reducing >2% of India’s fossil-fuel-based emissions.
• Employment: Village-level pyrolysis units could create 5.2 lakh rural jobs, linking waste management with livelihoods.

Multi-Sectoral Applications

1.Agriculture and Soil Health

• Enhances soil organic carbon and fertility.
• Improves water retention, critical for semi-arid regions.
• Reduces fertilizer needs by 10–20% and increases crop yields by 10–25%.
• Cuts N?O emissions by 30–50% (273× more potent than CO?).
• Example: Andhra Pradesh’s Community Managed Natural Farming has piloted biochar to improve soil quality.

2. Energy and Fuel Substitution

• Syngas and bio-oil provide renewable energy for rural micro-grids and transport.
• Example: Maharashtra pilot projects use pyrolysis gas to replace diesel generators.

3. Construction Sector

• Adding 2–5% biochar to concrete:
  • Increases mechanical strength and heat resistance (+20%).
  • Sequesters ~115 kg CO? per cubic metre.
  • Offers a green alternative to cement, key for India’s infrastructure push.
• Example: IIT-Madras research shows biochar-concrete mix lowers embodied carbon in buildings.

4. Wastewater Treatment

• 1 kg biochar can treat 200–500 litres of wastewater.
• With India producing 70 billion litres/day (72% untreated), biochar offers low-cost, decentralised treatment solutions for rural and urban areas.

In News:

India’s nuclear regulator, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), has granted the Licence for Operation of Units 3 and 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat — India’s first indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

Key Highlights:

• Operational Approval: The AERB concluded multi-stage design and commissioning safety reviews before granting the licence for both reactors.
  • KAPS-3: Achieved full-power commissioning in August 2023.
  • KAPS-4: Achieved full-power commissioning in August 2024.
• Licence Details:
  • Issued on July 3, 2025.
  • Valid for a period of five years.
  • Granted to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Significance of the Development:

• These reactors are part of India’s first fleet of 700 MWe PHWRs, marking a major milestone in the country’s indigenous nuclear energy capabilities.
• The licensing process involved rigorous multi-tiered safety assessments spanning the full lifecycle:
  • Siting
  • Construction
  • Commissioning
  • Full-power operation
• Review was conducted with contributions from AERB and technical support organisations, involving over 15 years of evaluation.

India’s PHWR Progression:

• The 700 MWe PHWR design is an upgraded version of the 540 MWe model.
• A similar 700 MWe reactor began commercial operation at Rawatbhata (Rajasthan) in March 2025.

Broader Impact:

• The licence is a boost to NPCIL’s fleet-mode approach, which involves building 10 such 700 MWe PHWRs across India.
• It reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in nuclear technology under the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• It enhances the nation's ability to meet low-carbon energy targets through domestic nuclear capacity.

In News:

In a transformative move aimed at digitising India’s power sector, the Ministry of Power has announced the conception of the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to build a unified, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem across the energy value chain.

This effort aligns with India’s goals of achieving a $5 trillion economy and meeting its Net Zero commitments, while addressing the growing complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape marked by renewables, electric vehicles, and consumer-centric markets.

What is India Energy Stack (IES)?

The India Energy Stack is envisioned as a standardised, open, and secure digital infrastructure to:

• Streamline operations in the power sector
• Empower consumers with access to real-time, consent-based data
• Integrate renewable energy into the national grid
• Enhance the efficiency of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs)

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Power, drawing inspiration from successful DPI models like Aadhaar (identity) and UPI (digital payments).

Core Features of IES

• Unique IDs: Assigned to consumers, assets, and energy transactions
• Real-time Data Sharing: Consent-based access for secure and accountable data exchange
• Open APIs: Enabling seamless integration across utility systems and third-party applications
• Consumer Empowerment Tools: Market access platforms, billing transparency, demand response options, and innovation support
• Interoperability: Standardised protocols for all stakeholders in the electricity ecosystem

Implementation Strategy

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) – 12 Months

A year-long pilot phase will test the India Energy Stack using real-world scenarios in partnership with selected utilities and DISCOMs.

2. Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

The UIP is a modular, analytics-driven application built on the India Energy Stack. It aims to:

• Provide real-time insights to utilities, policymakers, and regulators
• Enable smart energy management
• Enhance decision-making for grid operations and consumer services

3. Pilot Regions

The PoC will be conducted in collaboration with DISCOMs in:

• Mumbai
• Gujarat
• Delhi

Institutional Framework

• A dedicated Task Force has been established by the Ministry of Power.
• It includes experts from:
  • Technology domain
  • Power sector operations
  • Regulatory bodies
• The Task Force will guide:
  • System architecture design
  • Pilot implementation
  • National scale-up strategy

Expected Outcomes

• India Energy Stack White Paper for public consultation
• UIP deployment in pilot cities
• National roadmap for phased rollout of IES across all states and UTs
• Improved grid stability, energy access, and transparency in service delivery
• Enhanced integration of renewable energy sources into the mainstream grid

Significance for India’s Power Sector

The India Energy Stack has the potential to be a game-changer for the power sector, enabling:

• Modernisation of legacy systems
• Digital empowerment of consumers
• Efficient energy trading and billing
• Decentralised and democratised power governance

As India undergoes its green energy transition, IES will serve as the digital spine supporting clean, accountable, and consumer-centric power distribution.

In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project, located in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step forward in India’s thermal power capacity and energy security goals.

Project Overview

• Location: Ghatampur, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh
• Implementing Agency: Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between
  • NLC India Ltd (51% share)
  • Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (49% share)
• Total Capacity: 3 units × 660 MW = 1,980 MW
• Project Cost: ?21,780.94 crore

Commissioning Timeline

• Unit-1 (660 MW): Commissioned in December 2024, dedicated in May 2025
• Remaining Units: Expected to be operational by December 2025

Power Distribution Agreement

• Uttar Pradesh: Receives 75.12% (1,487.28 MW) of the total power
• Assam: Allocated 24.88% (492.72 MW), subject to transfer of 20% equity from UPRVUNL to Assam Government

Technological and Environmental Features

• Efficient Supercritical Technology:Utilizes supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD):Ensures no industrial wastewater release, protecting surrounding land and water bodies.
• Air Pollution Control:Equipped with modern pollution mitigation systems:
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – Controls NOx emissions
  • Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) – Reduces SOx emissions
  • Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) and Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) – Ensure real-time pollution tracking
• Water Conservation Measures:
  • 288 km of canal lining saves approx. 195 million litres/day
  • Raw water storage capacity of 46 lakh cubic meters

Fuel Security

• The plant sources coal from its own captive mine, producing 9 million tonnes annually.
• It maintains a 30-day coal stockpile, equivalent to 10.165 lakh tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

In News:

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance recently reaffirmed strong bilateral engagement with India in the domains of energy and defence. In parallel, India underscored the need to prioritiseenergy security, technology transfer, and collaboration on critical minerals as pillars of this strategic partnership.

Major India–U.S. Energy Initiatives

• Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP):Facilitates cooperation across bioenergy, solar power, hydrogen fuels, and energy efficiency measures.
• Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET):Focused on advanced technologies such as clean energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation:Aims to enhance technology exchange and investments aligned with India’s goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
• Critical Minerals MoU (2024):Establishes a framework for resilient and transparent supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals, along with potential third-country investment opportunities.

Rationale for Strengthening the Energy Partnership

• Energy Security:India’s transition to a $5 trillion economy requires uninterrupted, affordable energy access.
  ?Example: India's energy import bill reached $153 billion in FY 2023–24, highlighting the need for long-term partnerships.
• Climate Commitments:To achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India must scale up investments in low-carbon technologies, including nuclear, renewables, and green hydrogen.
• Mineral Supply Chain Diversification:With China dominating over 90% of rare earth processing, India seeks reliable and democratic supply partnerships to support its clean energy transition.
• Infrastructure and Financing Needs:Developing nuclear energy infrastructure alone could demand over $180 billion by 2047, requiring foreign capital, joint ventures, and technology collaboration.

Proposed Roadmap for Enhancing Bilateral Energy Ties

• Legal Reform:Revisit the Civil Liability Act to facilitate private sector participation in India's nuclear sector.
  ?Example: Proposed transfer of SMR technology from Holtec to Indian companies (e.g., L&T, Tata Consulting) requires legal assurances.
• Strategic Mineral Reserves Collaboration:Joint stockpiling via India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves and the U.S. National Defense Stockpile can buffer supply shocks.
• India–U.S. Mineral Exchange Platform:Launch a digital trade and traceability platform using blockchain technology to enhance transparency and co-investment.
• Leverage the Quad Partnership:Deepen trilateral mineral partnerships with Australia and Japan, focusing on processing facilities, R&D hubs, and outreach to resource-rich African nations.
• Accelerate Nuclear Rollout:Standardise nuclear reactor designs, streamline regulatory approvals, and aim to install 5–6 GW of new nuclear capacity annually by the early 2030s.
• Green Financing Mechanisms:Develop innovative funding frameworks such as green bonds, blended finance, and leverage multilateral funding for clean energy and mineral projects.

In News:

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), in its Global Wind Report 2025, has warned that current global wind energy growth is insufficient to meet the targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and net-zero emissions by 2050. As per the report, at current trends, only 77% of the wind capacity required by 2030 will be achieved — putting the 1.5°C global warming limit at serious risk.

Global Wind Energy Landscape (as of 2024)

• New Capacity Added: 117 GW (up from 116.6 GW in 2023)
• Total Global Capacity: 1,136 GW
• Leading Countries:
  • China: 70% of new installations
  • USA, Brazil, India, and Germany followed.
• Emerging Markets: Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showed significant growth.
• Regional Progress:
  • Africa and Middle East: Onshore wind capacity doubled compared to previous years.
  • Offshore Wind: Only 8 GW added (down 26% from 2023), the lowest since 2021.

Key Challenges Identified by GWEC

• Policy Uncertainty: Regulatory delays and instability in key markets.
• Grid Infrastructure Deficits: Underinvestment in transmission and distribution systems.
• Financial Constraints: Inflation, high interest rates, trade protectionism.
• Market Inefficiencies: Weak renewable energy auction systems.

Global Commitments & Urgency

• At COP28 (Dubai), countries pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• To align with this goal, annual wind installations must rise to 320 GW by 2030.
• Failure to scale up urgently risks missing a vital climate mitigation window.

Wind Energy in India – Status and Prospects (as of March 2025)

• Total Installed Capacity: 50.04 GW
• Capacity Added (FY 2024–25): 4.15 GW
  • (Up from 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24)
• Global Rank: 4th largest wind power producer (after China, USA, Germany)
• Top States:
  • Gujarat
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Karnataka
• Manufacturing Strength: Domestic wind turbine manufacturing capacity is ~18,000 MW/year.
• Offshore Wind Potential:
  • Gujarat: 36 GW
  • Tamil Nadu: 35 GW

In News:

The world's energy demand grew at 2.2% in 2024, a pace described as "faster than average" by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its Global Energy Review.

Key Highlights:

Global Energy Demand

• Global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, faster than the average of the past decade.
• Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the increase, with Asia leading the growth.
• Electricity demand rose 4.3%, nearly double the past decade's average.

Rise of Renewables

• Renewables were the fastest-growing energy source, contributing 38% of global energy growth.
• A record 700 GW of renewable power capacity was added globally in 2024 (22nd consecutive annual record).
• Low-emission sources (renewables + nuclear) accounted for 80% of the increase in electricity generation.

Key Country Contributions:

• China added:340 GW solar and 80 GW wind (≈ two-thirds of global additions).
• India added:30 GW solar, triple the previous year's addition.

Global Renewable Generation (2024):

• Solar: +480 TWh
• Wind: +180 TWh
• Hydropower: +190 TWh (mainly due to favorable weather, not capacity increase)

Coal Trends:

• Coal demand rose 1%, reaching a record high in 2024.
• China derives 60% of its electricity from coal; India, about 75%.
• Coal’s global electricity share dropped to 35% – the lowest since the IEA's inception in 1974.
• The seaborne coal market is shrinking as top consumers are also top producers with domestic-use policies.

Natural Gas Outlook

• Natural gas demand rose 2.7%, hitting a record 115 billion cubic metres in 2024.
• Driven by:
  • China's adoption of LNG trucks
  • Heatwaves increasing power demand
• However, demand fell in late 2024 due to rising LNG spot prices, indicating price sensitivity in Asia.

Crude Oil Demand Slows

• Oil demand grew just 0.8%, mainly from the petrochemical sector.
• Transport-related oil use declined due to:
  • Growth in electric vehicles (EVs) (especially in China)
  • Expansion of LNG trucks and high-speed rail networks

About the International Energy Agency (IEA)

• Founded: 1974 (post-1973 oil crisis) by OECD nations.
• HQ: Paris, France.
• Members: 31 countries (only OECD nations can be full members); India is an association country.
• Mandate: Energy security, sustainability, and global cooperation.
• Key Reports: World Energy Outlook, India Energy Outlook, World Energy Investment Report, Global Energy Review.

In News:

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilize $100 million for funding high-impact solar energy projects. This collaboration is part of a wider effort to accelerate India's clean energy transition, bridge financing gaps, and enhance the country's energy systems. Along with this agreement, two other key initiatives were announced:

• DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition)
• ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge)

These programs aim to address energy transition challenges by fostering scalable, cost-efficient solutions, digitalizing utilities, and supporting innovations for sustainable energy.

Key Features:

• Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF):
  • The MDTF aims to raise and deploy $100 million to finance impactful solar energy projects, with ISA driving the strategic direction.
  • GEAPP’s Project Management Unit will provide governance, fundraising, and technical expertise to ensure project success.
  • The collaboration emphasizes the importance of solar energy in achieving India's clean energy goals.
• DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition):
  • Focuses on transforming grid systems by digitalizing grid assets and integrating them with smart sensors.
  • Real-time data will help reduce transmission losses and facilitate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) deployment, assisting in the integration of Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) into the grid.
• ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge):
  • A platform for identifying and scaling innovative solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition, especially within India's growing startup ecosystem.
  • Focuses on supporting investable opportunities for energy transition solutions, building on the earlier success of ENTICE 1.0.

Global Impact of GEAPP:

GEAPP, launched with an initial commitment of $464 million, has already funded 130 projects across 40 countries. These projects have impacted over 50 million people, helping reduce 43 million tons of CO2 emissions. The collaboration with ISA is expected to deepen GEAPP's efforts in mobilizing capital to foster clean energy access and tackle climate change.

India’s Clean Energy Transition:

India has already extended electricity access to over 800 million people, but about 2.5% of households still remain unelectrified. Distributed renewable energy, especially solar energy, will play a pivotal role in reaching these underserved populations. India aims for 47 GW of battery energy storage systems by 2032, which will support grid stability and energy access.

Additional Initiatives and Impact:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
  • GEAPP has also supported India’s first commercial standalone BESS project, which will provide 24/7 power to over 12,000 low-income customers.
  • The project is set to lower electricity tariffs by 55%, benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
• Strategic Alliances:
  • The partnership with ISA and the strategic initiatives like DUET and ENTICE 2.0 aim to further India’s climate and energy goals, bringing renewable energy solutions to underserved regions, and supporting the country's energy security.

Role of GEAPP and ISA:

• GEAPP works to mobilize financing, provide technical expertise, and ensure effective implementation of renewable energy projects globally.
• ISA focuses on solar energy solutions, and with this agreement, it seeks to enhance the solar energy capacity in its member countries, aligning with climate targets.

About GEAPP:

GEAPP is a multi-stakeholder alliance comprising governments, philanthropy, technology partners, and financial institutions. Its goal is to transition developing economies to clean energy while enhancing economic growth. It aims to:

• Reduce 4 gigatons of carbon emissions.
• Provide clean energy access to 1 billion people.
• Create 150 million new jobs globally.